Solar Thermal

Solar thermal

Solar Thermal is the term used for hot water systems powered by the sun through solar collectors. Solar thermal systems can generate up to 70% of a home's hot water needs from sunlight. Solar thermal panels are one of the most cost efficient and environmentally friendly renewable energy resources available. Not only can a solar hot water system be used for domestic water heating, it can also be used for larger scale applications, including swimming pools and commercial / industrial facilities.

The systems we install in domestic homes aim to provide 50-70% of your water heating virtually free each year. This means that in the summer months, the system can actually provide almost all your hot water needs and around 50% for the rest of year. Not only will a Solar Hot Water system save you money, it will also reduce your impact on the environment. On average, a domestic system can reduce carbon emissions by up to 0.75 tonnes a year.

What is solar thermal energy?

Solar collectors are fitted to your roof where they soak up and retain heat from the sun's rays. This heat is then transferred to a cylinder of water, which it warms up throughout the day for later use. A simple plumbing system of pipes connects the cylinder to both the solar collectors and your water supply. A pump is used to move the solar fluid (Glycol) around the system. The power used for the pump is relatively small.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

In March 2011, the UK Government announced the details of their Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). 

The Renewable Heat Incentive is designed to provide financial support that encourages individuals, communities and businesses to switch from using fossil fuel for heating, to renewables such as solar thermal, ground Source, air Source and wood fuel.

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme has now been announced and you can now make an application. There is around  £12m available to householders in Scotland, England and Wales who install from 1 August 2011.

Once customers have had an MCS accredited installation they can receive an initial payment of  £300 from the government. Thereafter on going payments are expected to start in autumn 2012 and continue for 20 years.

Could solar energy work for your home?

It's worth making sure your house is suitable for a solar thermal system by asking the following questions:

• Does your home have a roof which faces between south-east and south-west with four to five square metres of unobstructed space?

• Will your existing heating system and boiler be compatible? Some combination or combi boilers may not work well with a solar hot water system.

• Do you have enough space in your home for a larger or an additional water cylinder?

Give us a call and ask one of our friendly advisors to find if your home is suitable for Solar Thermal systems. 

Choosing your solar water heating system

Solar thermal systems come in all sizes. But generally they collect and transfer solar energy through either a flat plate - the cost effective option or evacuated tubes, which can be slightly more expensive but more efficient. These solar collectors are either filled with a special anti-freeze fluid. As the liquid in the collectors' heats up, it usually travels to a coil in a hot water cylinder which heats up the water indirectly. Systems generally need a pump to move the fluid or water around.

Permission

Most solar thermal systems installations do not require planning permission, so long as they don't protrude more than 200mm from your building. Exceptions apply for listed buildings, flats, buildings in conservation areas and world heritage sites - if in doubt you should check this out in advance with your local planning department (as getting planning permission after the event can be difficult and expensive).

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